I have read how Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the world's greatest musicians, was born into a musical family in Germany.

By the age of eleven he was already composing his own music and conducting an orchestra. In his late teens he went to Vienna for further study. There he reached fame, though not fortune.

According to the story, one evening when Beethoven visited in a cobbler's house, he noticed that the young lady at the piano was blind, so he offered to play the piece for her. He did so for her for more than an hour and while he did, darkness fell and the lone candle in the room had gone out.

Outside in the night sky the moon shone brightly and sent its radiant beams glistening into the room where Beethoven sat playing beautiful music. He was so inspired by the appreciation of his music by the young lady and the beauty of the atmosphere in the room that he composed his famous "Moonlight Sonata."

Do you ever feel that your dreams have been shattered and you feel all alone in the darkness of despair? I certainly have. However, when our life is committed to Christ, it's in these "dark nights of the soul" that God is working in us to give us more understanding of life and compassion for others, and in time will bring back "beautiful music" into our life.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please put a song in my heart, a song of gratitude and love for You for all that You have done for and given to me. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."